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Online application
From the online application to the ~80-week cadet programme.
About Cathay Pacific
Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is a full-service and cargo airline. In timetables it appears as CX; in flight plans as CPA. Its hub is Hong Kong (HKG). Cathay Pacific flies 180 aircraft (October 2026), among them the Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330, Airbus A350, Boeing 777 and Boeing 747. Linked to Cathay Pacific on this site: Air Hong Kong and Cathay Cadet Pilot Programme.
For future pilots, Cathay Pacific offers the Cathay Cadet Pilot Programme. Licensed pilots can also join Cathay Pacific as direct-entry first officers. Pilot vacancies are published on a careers portal, linked in the profile on this page. PilotinQ currently lists 1 open pilot position at Cathay Pacific. This page sets out the selection in 8 stages.
The eight phases
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ICAO English testPractise this phase
3/8
Computer-based assessment
4/8
InterviewsPractise this phase
5/8
Group exercisePractise this phase
6/8
Medical examination
7/8
Flight deck reach assessment (if asked)
8/8
Pre-employment drug test and background check
Where to train for Cathay Pacific
3 flight schools have a published link with this airline. Each entry says what the link is and who states it.
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Cathay Academy, and AeroGuard Flight Training CentreHong Kong SAR China · via Cathay Cadet Pilot ProgrammeAirline's own academyAccording to the school
AeroGuard Flight Training CenterPhoenix, United States · via Cathay Pacific Pilot Cadet ProgramCadet programme partnerAccording to the school
Flight Training Adelaide Pty LtdParafield Airport, AustraliaCadet programme partnerAccording to the school
Cathay Pacific at a glance
- IATA / ICAO
- CX / CPA6
- Country
- Hong Kong
- Hubs
- Hong Kong (HKG)6
- Fleet
- Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330, Airbus A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 74716
- Cadet programme
- Cathay Cadet Pilot Programme (rolling as of 28 Oct 2026)1
- Direct entry
- First officers1
SALARYSecond Officer: HKD 629,109 a year (target salary based on achieving target block hours), plus a monthly allowance from HKD 14,000 (published by Cathay Pacific, January 2026)First Officer: HKD 964,646 a year (target salary based on achieving target block hours), plus a monthly allowance from HKD 20,000 (published by Cathay Pacific, January 2026)Second Officer (January 2025): HKD 607,800 a year (target salary based on achieving target block hours, January 2025)Cathay Pacific pilot salary
- 1Flight Crew: Cadet Pilot / Second Officer / First Officer | Cathay Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 2Cadet Pilot FAQ: What is the interview process like? | Cathay Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 3Cadet Pilot FAQ: Where does the selection process take place? | Cathay Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 4Flight Crew | Cathay Careers · accessed 11 Oct 2026
- 5Apply | Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilots · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 6Cathay Pacific (English Wikipedia) · accessed 11 Oct 2026
- 7Flight Crew · accessed 25 Oct 2026
